Common Childhood Illnesses and Health

Pink Eye Conjunctivitis   

What is It? 

Pink eye is an inflammation or infection of the conjunctiva, the membrane that lines the eyelid and covers the white part of the eye. It can be contagious.

What causes it? It's usually caused by bacteria, viruses, or allergies.

Medically treatable by a doctor or a professional

 

Students that show these symptoms should NOT come to school and seek medical attention immediately.

(Please be sure to bring PROOF of medical absence the following day) 

 

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Ring worm

 

• Ringworm (scalp and body)

• A highly contagious, fungal infection of the skin or scalp.

• Very common
• More than 3 million US cases per year

• Spreads easily

• Usually self-treatable

• Requires a medical diagnosis

Lab tests or imaging rarely required

Ringworm is spread by skin-to-skin contact or by touching an infected animal or object.

Ringworm is typically scaly and may be red and itchy. Ringworm of the scalp is common in children, where it may cause bald patches.

The treatment for ringworm is antifungal medications.

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Head Lice

 

• A condition in which tiny insects infest the scalp.

• Very common
• More than 3 million US cases per year

• Treatable by a medical professional

• Usually self-diagnosable

• Lab tests or imaging not required

Short-term: resolves within days to weeks

Head lice most often affect children who are in direct contact with one another or who share personal items, such as brushes, hats, or scarves.

Symptoms include itching, visible lice on the scalp, and lice eggs (nits) on the hair shafts.

Medicated shampoos often help, but lice are becoming resistant to some. Patiently combing and removing nits, sometimes over several days, is sometimes necessary.

 

Consult a doctor for medical advice